Tell me if stopping yourself from buying that cute summer dress is not the toughest thing in the world? If you agree, let’s just say we’re all guilty of submitting to our impulsive shopping instincts. Nonetheless, the world doesn’t collapse after that for everybody, but for some, it can shake their budgets enough to break the ground into two. In simple words, a look at the credit card statement, in the end, can fill one with guilt and financial pressures.
So, if it does the same for you, ask yourself, is it worth it? No. Financial security is imperative, and if your impulse purchases pose a serious threat to it, it’s high time you control them.
However, I do know for a person who is addicted to shopping or easily submits to shopping triggers, it can be a mountain to climb. And as someone who was triggered in the past emotionally, and shopping was the outlet, I can totally relate. Shopping always made me feel good or let me remove the emotions of not feeling I was good enough from my family. When I shopped, it made me feel like I was good enough in the moment because I could afford it. Until my bank or credit card statement came. Nonetheless, I still have tips and tricks to help you out.
How to stop spending money on impulse purchases
1. Carry limited cash
No money, no buying. It’s as simple as that. Having said that, if you know you are going to a place that might be
Only take the amount which is essential – perhaps only as much as it would take for you to take a cab, or enough to fill gas on your way home. But don’t take hands full of money as you’ll easily give in to buy what you shouldn’t. Further, avoid places you know will be a trigger for you. For me, it’s always Target. Whenever I would go visit family in the past and have to fly back home, I wouldn’t have room in my suitcase, but somehow I would still stop by Target and purchase way too many things. I’ve since learned to avoid Target when I’m feeling emotional as I will purchase too many things and end up regretting it.
2. Always take a list
This applies to every time you go grocery shopping. You buy this, you buy that, and perhaps some extra quantities of sauces that only go unused in the end. Ergo, to put an end to this, a shopping list can be something you can rely on.
Think of all the things you would need FOR THE MOMENT (Don’t think of things you think you might want in the
3. Ask yourself, do you want it or need it?
It’s easier to lose yourself in things you want but don’t need. I mean, how often did you pick up a dress you absolutely wanted, wore it once, and never again? I bet you can think of plenty of instances. The same thing happens with kids — it’s imperative they learn the difference between want and need. The sooner they do, the better off you and they will be as will your bank account.
Nevertheless, the point is, every time you are fighting with your shopping instincts, ask yourself, “Do I really need this thing?” If the answer is no, you know what to do – put the object back on the shelf. Buy only things you need, if your objective is to save money.
4. Write down financial goals
Is there a number you want to save up this month? Is there a category of expenses you have to minimize
If you want to travel more and are trying to save money for that, it’s a great idea to write where you want to go and possibly how much you would need for that trip, and keep it as a reminder with you. This way, when you think about spending on frivolous things, you can check to see how close you are to a trip which is pretty motivating to not get something you don’t need. I do this all the time personally, it’s my favorite way to motivate me not to spend and keep my emotions managed another way.
5. Wait before you add it to your cart
Have you ever felt desperate enough to buy what you added to your cart? As if there was some kind of
If yes, you’re not alone. Nonetheless, to battle this feeling out, wait for a minimum of 24 hours. You’ll lose the enthusiasm to finally buy it instead of when it arrives at your home.
6. Be grateful for what you have
The secret to happiness is gratitude. If you are grateful for the things and people you have around you, you’re already living life as you should.
Interestingly, gratitude can help you combat your impulse purchases too. It’s simple when you are satisfied and grateful for the things you have, you wouldn’t want more.
Therefore, the solution is simple yet challenging – start being grateful for things you have. You can start maintaining a journal, practicing mindfulness, and lastly reminding yourself in your moment of weakness, that not everybody is privileged to have what you have.
7. Learn to say a NO
The lady at the shopping center or your friend accompanying you always convinces you into buying things you restrict buying. This is when you have to say a NO to them and yourself as well.
In other words, be firm. Don’t give in to temptations – don’t care what others say. The saleswoman won’t pay your bills, you have to. So, saying NO is what you must learn to do. The same goes for your children and other areas of your life. NO is standing up for yourself and your time and your energy. It’s powerful, so don’t forget to use it and your power.
Finally,
This shall be it. Taking command over your impulse purchases can be hard, but it cannot be impossible. If you think about it, the key to it is, fighting with your temptations. Your brain is smart enough to do that.
Hey there, are you an impulsive shopper too? If yes, what helped you? In case you have a few tips to share, we’re all ears. Feel free to drop by our comment section.
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